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Roberto Di Matteo Favors Man. City

It is not just a new season but also a new outlook for Chelsea. Because, by ending a long wait, they've also lifted a weight. As well as finally lifting the trophy that Roman Abramovich wanted for so long in the Champions League, they have filled the squad with the type of attacking players they have lacked for much of the Russian's ownership.

After a busy summer, Roberto Di Matteo was giving little away about his hopes for the new season, although he did concede that one thing will stay the same - despite the transfer of Robin van Persie to Manchester United, the Italian believes last season's champions are the likeliest team to win the league this time.

"I still think City are the favourites. They haven't lost any key players, they showed their strength," he said. "Van Persie is a good signing... I think last year showed it was very balanced at the top. At the end, the two Manchester teams ran away. I think this season it will be four teams."

Di Matteo, who included Chelsea in that group of four, refused to name the other side he felt would be competing with the two Manchester clubs.